24 Pedestrian Crossings

As an advanced driver, you should be observing well ahead for pedestrian activity and paying aq attention to pedestrian crossings.

Approaching Pedestrian Crossings. You should, as a matter of routine, check your mirrors and your speed on approach to a pedestrian crossing regardless of whether pedestrians are close by or lights are at green.

Sor instance, at PELICAN crossings a green light might change to amber as a result of a pedestrian pressing the “wait” button and crossing the road before the lights change.

It is a matter of assessing the degree of danger as to whether to slow down and how slow to approach.

If travelling uphill and there are no pedestrians in the area you will probably maintain your current mi speed. However, you shouldn’t be caught out by a sudden amber light if a pedestrian is walking up to press the activating button.

Fook well ahead for activity close to ZEBRA crossings and for SCHOOL CROSSING wardens who are clearly looking for an opportunity to shepherd pedestrians across the road.

Watch also for pelican crossing lights changing to red well ahead of you. Where possible time your approach to coincide with the flashing amber or green light rather than having to stop on red for a very short time. However, don’t slow down too early or too excessively, which could cause confusion to other road users especially following traffic.

Learn how to identify PUFFIN and TOUCAN crossings and ensure you know the different traffic light sequences at crossings. Look out for equine crossings (PEGASUS) where bridle-ways intersect roads.

Waiting at Pedestrian Crossings. Apart from the well-documented actions NOT to do when waiting at Pedestrian Crossings (sounding your horn, beckoning pedestrians to cross etc.), there are several important actions you should take when waiting.

Exercise 9: What actions should you take when waiting at a pedestrian crossing (lead vehicle)?
Complete this in your Workbook